12 Apr 2009

Pirates foiled by hoses

6:14 am on 12 April 2009

Somali pirates have attacked a 26,000-tonne bulk carrier in the Gulf of Aden, but were driven away by sailors spraying them with hoses.

NATO officials aboard a Portuguese warship protecting shipping lanes, say the MV Anatolia was attacked soon after daybreak on Saturday in the southwest corner of the Gulf of Aden.

A rocket grenade landed in the commanding officer's cabin during the attack and bullets were fired at the ship.

However, NATO says the eight pirates left after hoses were turned on them. The Anatolia also used evasive steering to escape.